The solar industry has developed into one of the fastest growing markets globally, with Asia in particular poised to become one of the leading regions in the world for solar panel production. According to recent reports, the Asian production capacity for solar panels is projected to grow to more than 4GWp (gigawatt peak), double that of both the US and Europe, by 2010.

To meet market solar demands in this region, Oerlikon Solar, a leading provider of high performance solutions for cost-effective mass production of solar modules, has chosen Singapore as its Asia hub for manufacturing and R&D.

Says Jeannine Sargent, CEO, Oerlikon Solar, "It is essential that we are close to our customers with dedicated local resources, including development and production capabilities." In addition to offering outstanding service and support, this new site also positions Oerlikon Solar to achieve its growth goals over the next few years.

Dawn of a new age

The facility will initially employ about 100 people and is set to be completed by end 2008. With its new facility, the Swiss-based company will boost its presence and proximity to customers in Asia, while continuing to expand production, development and support for its leading thin-film silicon solar energy solutions.

Thin-film silicon is part of the next generation of solar energy solutions and has significant cost benefits compared to conventional crystalline processes. "We are at the very beginning of a revolution in the energy market, similar to the dawn of the new age experienced about 30 years in the semiconductor industry with the adoption of the integrated circuit," says Sargent.

Its Asian hub in Singapore is not only the first-of-its-kind in the Republic, but will also be the company’s first facility in the region to develop, assemble and test its advanced solar cell equipment. It will also include a pilot line, which will be Oerlikon's largest in the world, incorporating its latest technology.

The facility is expected to generate strong demand for component suppliers and equipment contract manufacturers, and enable the company to work jointly and conveniently with cell manufacturers to develop new products and manufacturing processes.

"Our Singapore operation will leverage an Asian-based supply chain and strategic outsourcin gpartnerships to enable cost and delivery advantages to our customers," says Sargent. Partnership programmes will include process optimisation which will yield improved new solar solutions, and will be aligned with on-site customer training set in realistic industrial conditions.


Push for Singapore's solar ecosystem

From the outset, Singapore presented an attractive base for Oerlikon for its skilled workforce and scientists, a business-friendly infrastructure including intellectual property protection, and the government’s commitment to build a national solar industry.

Indeed, Oerlikon's presence in Singapore is a leap forward in the city-state's ambition to be a global hub for the solar industry. It also enhances the longstanding partnership Singapore has with Oerlikon. Apart from serving as its regional headquarters, Singapore also hosts the R&D and global manufacturing of Oerlikon's wire bonder and textile bearing businesses.

Singapore has been rapidly progressing in its plans to implement a comprehensive blueprint to develop and grow its solar industry. A key strategy is the development of a vibrant world-scale solar industry ecosystem. The country is also attracting a cluster of equipment suppliers and supporting companies to drive the entire industry.

"Oerlikon's decision in choosing Singapore to site its Asia manufacturing and R&D hub clearly demonstrates our rapid progress in developing the solar industry. This project is a significant boost to this growing sector, and shows how our existing strengths in manufacturing, particularly in precision engineering, have evolved to support exciting new areas," says Ko Kheng Hwa, Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board.

With its new Asian facility and strong partnership with Singapore, Oerlikon Solar will continue playing a leading role and remain a driving force in the solar industry market.